Honda Is Hiding Two Coupes Under Cover. Are They Preludes?

We might be looking at a pair of tricked-out 2026 Prelude models.

Photo by: Honda

By: Adrian Padeanu

Updated: Aug 29, 2025 at 9:07am ET

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In the age of TikTok and shrinking attention spans, traditional auto shows are starting to look like relics of the past. Most of the action now happens on social media, as old-school marketing methods are no longer as effective. Still, some classic car events have stood the test of time. Take next week’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, which dates back to 1897. Or, come October, the Japan Mobility Show, with roots going back to 1954.

Honda will be at the rebranded domestic show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show until a couple of years ago. The oddly shaped 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes will celebrate their Japanese premiere, but the real intrigue comes from a pair of coupes still under covers. This is where speculation begins. Since the two cars are grouped together, they could be different versions of the same model.

Photo by: Honda

With the reborn Prelude set to go on sale in Japan next month, Honda may already be preparing ways to spice up the coupe. A high-performance version so soon seems unlikely, which is why we don’t expect a Prelude Type R just yet, if at all. Still, some of the Civic Type R’s hardware will make its way to the standard Prelude.

Honda could be planning a line of factory add-ons for the Prelude: aerodynamic tweaks, different wheels, and minor hardware upgrades. Some prototypes have already been spotted with a rear wing, while others went without, hinting at the sort of upgrades we might see on display.

As for the NSX, history reminds us that the Acura-badged supercar was sold as a Honda in Japan. Its spiritual electric successor has already been confirmed, but production won’t begin until 2027 or 2028. Global executive vice president Shinji Aoyama revealed as much in an interview with Motor1 during last year’s Monterey Car Week. That means the two covered cars in question are almost certainly not a new NSX.

2026 Honda Prelude (Japan)

Source: Honda

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Since we mentioned the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes, the third-generation NSX will use the same platform. The electric sports car might ditch the “NSX” moniker in favor of a different name, Aoyama added. If one of the coupes does turn out to be an NSX-inspired flagship performance car, it’ll almost certainly be a concept, since production is still at least a couple of years away.

The Japan Mobility Show runs from October 29 through November 9, though we may not have to wait that long to find out more about the mysterious cars. Honda plans to divulge fresh details near the end of September, possibly revealing more about the two coupes ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the Prelude is set to reach U.S. dealers later this year and will arrive in Europe in the first half of 2026.